This course provides an
overview of the factors that lead to ethnic conflict and the strategies that can be
employed to resolve them. It discusses the relationship between the theory of nationalism
and ethnic conflict, the recent trends in such conflicts, and the factors that facilitate,
or militate against, their resolution.

Demonstrate knowledge of diverse patterns of thought, values, and beliefs as manifest in
different cultures

;

This course is about conflict between different ethnic groups. It seeks
to gain an understanding of why ethnic conflicts occur and how they can be resolved.
Although conflict is generally considered a political phenomenon, ethnic conflict is based
on differences in cultures. Ethnic groups, based as they are on factors such as language,
religion, race or tribe etc., are cultural groups and the dominant thought behind such
conflicts is nationalism, which characterizes cultural conflicts worldwide. Students are
exposed to the theory of nationalism, the values and strategies which enable some cultural
groups to live in harmony (as in the US), and values and strategies which contribute to
conflict and widespread destruction of human life.

Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interpretation and
expression of events, ideas, and experiences

;

One of the major objectives of this course is to enable the students to
understand by ethnic conflicts occur. Students learn that ethnic conflicts are essentially
cultural conflicts and they occur because, among other reasons, different cultural groups
interpret history in ways in which they establish mutually exclusive claims to land and
resources. So, for purposes of this course, intercultural conflict is the major experience
for many groups and it is partly the result of different interpretation of ideas and
historical events.

Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interactions between
individuals and/or groups

;

In this course students learn why language differences are somewhat
easier to resolve than religious differences. Some course topics discuss why conflict is
endemic within certain religions (Islam) and not in others (Christianity and Hinduism).
Although nationalism is a universal phenomenon, cultural differences explain why this
force has assumed such a virulent form in some regions of the world (Africa) and not in
others (Western Europe and North America.

Examine different cultures through their various expressions; and/or

The focus of this course is not directly on learning about
different cultures. Rather it is on an overwhelming reality of our times, e.g., how
cultures in the process of expressing themselves come into conflict with each other. The
focus of the course is also on the different strategies that can be used to resolve such
conflicts.

Possess the skills necessary for interaction with someone from a different culture or
cultural group

The general conclusion of the course is that according to empirical
evidence cultural groups coexist in harmony in those situations which cultural leaders
advocate tolerance and cultural autonomy, and that conflict inevitably occurs in those
settings in which cultural leaders seek their own dominance, and the subordination or
annihilation of others. Students read about specific case studies which clearly suggest
that acknowledging the validity of other cultures and allowing all cultural groups their
cultural space is not only has a practical value of contributing to peace, but also the
social value of human enrichment.

PS 225

ETHNIC CONFLICT AND NATIONALISM

(

The picture on the left is
taken from the cover of a text called State and Nation in Multi-ethnic Societies.

The picture on the right is taken from the cover of text called Nationalism,
Ethnic Conflict & Democracy

)

Political
Science and Public Administration

Fall 2001, MWF
12:00-12:50

Instructor:
Dr. Yogesh Grover

Office: Minne
122

e-mail: ygrover@winona.edu

Phone: 457-5415

Office Hours:
MWF 11:00-noon; 1:00-2:00 p.m.

TR 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Required
Text

People Versus States: Minorities at
Risk in the New Century

by Ted Robert Gurr.

United States Institute of Peace Press, 2000

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course deals with the predominant form of conflicts of our times. These conflicts
are ethnic conflicts and the driving force behind them is nationalism. There are very few
societies which are not experiencing at least one of these conflicts. Many of these
conflicts have become humanitarian disasters causing tremendous pain and suffering to
millions of innocent people. The purpose of this course is to try to understand why these
conflicts occur and what can be done to resolve them.

This course falls under the Multicultural Perspectives category of Unity and Diversity
part of the new Universities Studies Program. However, it is a unique course in the sense
that, unlike other courses in this category, it is not intended to gain an understanding
of a particular culture or a group of cultures. Rather it seeks to demonstrate that
different cultures often do not live in peace with each other although in some parts of
the world ethnic conflicts have subsided considerably. It behooves us to try to understand
why cultural groups are able to live in harmony in some parts of the world and not in
others.

In this course we will:

define some key concepts like culture, ethnicity, nation, nationalism, and state

identify the various factors that cause cultural conflicts

examine the conditions in which such conflicts get exacerbated (internal and external),

analyze the consequences of such conflicts (again internal and external), and

discuss the strategies that can be employed to reduce the intensity of such conflicts,
if not eliminate them.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The university has approved this course as one that meets the requirements of the
Multicultural Perspectives category under the Unity and Diversity section. As such it
includes requirements and learning objectives that promote students abilities
to .

Demonstrate knowledge of diverse patterns and similarities of thought, values, and
beliefs as manifest in different cultures;

Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interpretation and
expression of events, ideas, and experiences;

Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interactions between
individuals and/or groups;

Examine different cultures through their various expressions, and/or

Possess the skills necessary for interaction with someone from different culture or
cultural group

This syllabus lists the topics that will be covered and the outcomes they will address.

GRADES

Your grade in this course will be determined on the basis of your performance in three
examinations (including the final), and class participation. Each examination will be
worth 90 points and class participation will be worth 30 points. These exams will be on
(dates ). The university has scheduled your final examination for (day, date, and
time ). In these exams you will be required to write mainly essays, although there
will be a small component of multiple-choice questions in each of them. A maximum of 300
points will be possible and your grade will be determined according to the following
scale.

A

90-100%

270-300 points

B

80-89.9%

240-269 points

C

70-79.9%

210-239 points

D

60-69.9%

180-209 points

E

less than 60%

less than 180
points

In addition to the textbook, additional readings from other sources may also be
assigned for each topic. These will be articles from journals copies of which might either
be placed on reserve in the library, or given to you in class. If available on the
Internet, you will be informed about the web site where you can access the relevant
article and read it. You will be expected to do the assigned readings and participate in
class discussions.

Readings will be supplemented with videos. You will be expected to take notes while
watching the videos and demonstrate your understanding in class discussions and in
examinations.

Attendance policy:

You are required to attend all scheduled classes. Roll call will be taken frequently
and those absenting for more than two classes will begin to lose participation points. I
hope this is an enjoyable experience for you. If you have any questions about the course,
or the way it is being taught, please feel free to let me know.